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Rox believe they can win West with current roster

Rox believe they can win West with current roster

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By Thomas Harding
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MLB.com |

DENVER -- The Rockies remain close to the vest with their plans in regard to the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.

They could use a starting pitcher, or could shore up the bullpen. Bill Geivett, the Rockies' senior vice president of Major League operations, reiterated club owner Dick Monfort's assertion that the club will not trade prospects for players in the last year of their contracts. The Rangers did just that in a deal with the Cubs for Matt Garza.

The Rockies have had strong work from four of their five starters recently, but offensive inconsistency has been an issue. They entered Tuesday night's game with the Marlins trailing the National League West-leading Dodgers by four games.

Geivett said the Rockies are always looking to improve, but that the roster is good enough as constructed to compete.

"We have been kind of off and on with all our injuries," Geivett said. "We thought we were finally healthy and all together, and then before we played a game after the break, [closer Rafael Betancourt] undergoes appendicitis surgery. Hopefully, with him coming back and the addition of Roy [Oswalt], as well, we definitely feel like we can win this division.

"And I feel like when we are firing on all cylinders that we are a very good club, we are a very talented team. It's up to us now to start getting it together and get the job done."

Unless a move is made, Geivett and the Rockies will be counting on help from within.

Oswalt, who signed in May and debuted with the Rockies on June 20, struggled in his first three starts, then suffered his injury in the second inning of his fourth start on July 7. He has increased his physical activity and could throw his first bullpen session this weekend in Atlanta, with a goal toward returning quickly.

"He went through the first few outings, where he looked like he was getting his feet down under him," Geivett said. "And then those first couple of innings in Arizona, where he looked like he was back, his stuff was sharp and everything was back before the unfortunate injury.

"But luckily it wasn't his arm or anything like that. So we are hoping he can get back and we can plug him right in. He's a guy with experience who has pitched in the postseason and he's a big part of where we are at."

The Rockies also added veteran outfielder/first baseman Xavier Nady from the Royals. Nady has hit .254 in 17 games since joining Triple-A Colorado Springs, and could be a right-handed boost to a bench that has not been much of a threat this season.

"The reports are solid right now," Geivett said. "He's been swinging the bat pretty well and he's been moving in the outfield all right. He's been playing first base, as well. I think the right-handed bat is definitely something that we have interest in."

Righty Collin McHugh, obtained in a trade with the Mets earlier this season for outfielder Eric Young, Jr., has gone 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA in three starts at Colorado Springs. With lefty Drew Pomeranz struggling at the back of the Rockies' rotation, McHugh could be an option.

"He has pitched well his last few outings and he is definitely a guy that interests us," Geivett said.